Sheffield United’s strongest XI for the final run-in

It is truly all to play for as we approach the final run-in for the title chasers, and Wilder must now decide whether to stick or twist when it comes to his team selection week in, week out.

We’ve taken a look at the options available to him, and came up with what we feel is Sheffield United’s strongest XI right now.

GK – Michael Cooper

This goes without saying, and Michael Cooper is likely the very first name on the teamsheet for Wilder. Fans have called for Cooper to be included in the England squad soon, after his impeccable form for United this season.

RB – Femi Seriki

Wilder has had some issues at right-back this season, with injuries to Alfie Gilchrist in particular holding United back. Femi Seriki has come in and done a fine job in the role, and looks like he will keep that spot for the remainder of the season.

CB – Anel Ahmedhodzic

Sheffield United’s very strong and stubborn defence is built around Anel Ahmedhodzic, and the towering Bosnian centre-half is never going to be dropped. He’s the lynchpin of the backline and one of the best players in the Championship.

CB – Rob Holding

A controversial one here, but Jack Harrison, the club captain, is not part of the Blades’ strongest XI. He put in a great display in the Steel City derby and never lets the team down when it comes to effort, but he can be quite error-prone.

Holding has top level experience and always looks solid, and United are going to need that going into this crucial period of the season.

LB – Harrison Burrows

Harrison Burrows has been a revelation at left-back this season for United, and the 23-year-old is proving himself to be one of the best in his role in this division.

DM – Sydie Peck

The youngster has been brilliant for Sheffield United this season, and his passion and dynamism has been very impressive to watch. He could probably do with a rest, in truth, but with injuries to Ollie Arblaster and Tom Davies, there’s no choice but to keep going.

DM – Vini Souza

On his day, Vini Souza is not only Sheffield United’s best player, he’s one of the top five in the Championship, period. He’s been hit by injuries, but when he’s available, he is pivotal to United’s success.

While Hamza Choudhury was brilliant against Sheffield Wednesday last week, he would drop out immediately if and when Souza is ready.

RW – Ben Brereton-Diaz

Jesurun Rak-Sakyi has been in and out of the team, but in Sheffield United’s strongest XI, he drops to the bench. He’s shown flashes of quality but struggles for consistency and he is also guilty of not tracking back and defend well enough, whereas Ben Brereton-Diaz does put the miles in.

CAM – Callum O’Hare

Rhian Brewster got the winning goal against Sheffield Wednesday last week and continues to improve each week. But, Callum O’Hare is a different beast; he’s relentless in the press, links up effectively with the players around him, and is a more creative player, too.

LW – Gustavo Hamer

Gus Hamer is another player who ranks highly when you ask any Championship fans about the top talents in the league. He has a bit of everything, bringing physicality, creativity, and leadership to the team. Simply put, Hamer is undroppable.

ST – Tyrese Campbell

There is not enough emphasis put on the importance of Tyrese Campbell to this United squad. He’s the Blades’ main goal threat, he holds the ball up well, has a great touch and offers effective passing, tricky feet and, most importantly, he’s a good finisher.

He’s one of the top strikers in the Championship when he’s at his best, and Sheffield United look far less likely to score without him in the team

Injuries could cost Sheffield United in the long-run

Sheffield United have been plagued by injuries all season. As we mentioned above, the likes of Souza, Davies, Arblaster, and Gilchrist, have all missed large chunks of the campaign, and it’s difficult not to wonder how close this title race would be had they stayed fit.

The fight for the Championship title is looking like it will go right down to the wire. With Leeds United dropping points here and there, it will be down to Wilder and his men to maintain their consistency and keep grinding out results.

The fear now, for United, will be the continued strength of Burnley, who are looking like the best team in the division at the moment. The Blades face the Clarets at Turf Moor on April 21st, in what will surely be a decisive fixture.

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